Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 261

President ratifies 15th Amendment to Maldives Tourism Act

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 15th amendment to Law No. 2/99 (Maldives Tourism Act) following its passage by the People’s Majlis on March 19, 2025.

The amendment revises the legal framework governing the allocation of islands, land, and lagoons for tourism development under cross-subsidy. It also modifies provisions on lease extensions, redevelopment of tourism establishments, and establishing a Tourism Trust Fund.

Under the amendment, land designated for tourism on inhabited islands or cities must align with the respective urban development plan. The President is authorised to designate uninhabited islands and lagoons within such jurisdictions for tourism development, restricted to tourist guesthouses and hotels. Allocations for resort development under cross-subsidy must align with the Government policies to achieve economic and social benefits. Lease extensions require a fee, with a maximum extension of 49 years.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is mandated to regulate the closure and redevelopment of tourism establishments, ensure compliance with a newly established safety and operational standards code, and oversee advertising regulations for tourist service establishments. The amendment also dissolves the Tourism Industry Trust Fund, transferring its assets to the newly established Tourism Trust Fund.

The law has been published in the Government Gazette and is now in effect.

Source: The President’s Office

Maldives and India review development partnership, future collaborations

 In a meeting held on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel and the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr S Jaishankar, discussed strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both Ministers reviewed the existing development partnership between the countries and explored avenues for future collaborations in areas of mutual interest.

The Foreign Minister travelled to India on 17 March to participate in the 10th Edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, held from 17 to 19 March. The event was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon. This year’s theme for the Raisina Dialogue is “Kālachakra —People, Peace and Planet.”

 SOURCE : PSM

The Government of Maldives condemns the Israeli occupation government’s assault on Gaza

 The Government of the Republic of Maldives has strongly condemned the extensive airstrikes carried out by Israel across the Gaza Strip, which have led to the loss of over 400 Palestinian lives, including many innocent children. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Maldives described the attack, especially in the holy month of Ramadan, as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement, as well as international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The Maldives also called on the international community to take immediate action to halt the escalation of violence, protect innocent civilians and ensure that Israel is held accountable for its actions while reiterating its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital.

SOURCE : Minister of Foreign Affairs 

President appoints Uz Hussain Shaheedh as the Justice of the Supreme Court 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Uz Hussain Shaheedh, as the Justice of the Supreme Court, a decision made under the powers vested in him per Article 148 (a.) of the Maldives’ Constitution. 

Uz Hussain Shaheedh’s oath of office was administered by the Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court of Maldives, Aisha Shujune Muhammad, in a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Wednesday afternoon. The newly appointed Justice was presented his appointment letter by the President during the ceremony. 

Uz Hussain Shaheedh, a seasoned legal professional, has also served as the High Court’s Chief Judge and Justice at the Criminal Court. He holds a Master of Islamic Judicial Science, Sharia Policy, and Jurisprudence and Law, LLB. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Foreign Minister departs after concluding his Official Visit to India 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, departed India this morning after concluding his official visit to India to attend the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi. 

During the visit, Dr Khaleel met his counterpart, Dr S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in the panel discussion “Climate Cataclysm: The Adaptation Agenda is Gasping” held as part of the 10th Edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025. 

Minister Dr Khaleel met other senior dignitaries on the sidelines of the dialogue. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs was seen off at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the High Commissioner of Maldives to the Republic of India, Aishath Azeema and Senior Officials of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India. 

SOURCE : Minister of Foreign Affairs 

Parliament approves new tourism trust fund, shifting oversight to Tourism Ministry 

Parliament has approved an amendment to the Tourism Act, introducing a new Tourism Industry Trust Fund to replace the existing Tourism Industry Trust Fund governed under the Public Accounts Act. According to the government, this change is anticipated to elevate governance and financial oversight within the tourism sector. 

The bill, receiving 55 votes in favour against seven objections, passed during Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting after undergoing a rigorous review by the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs. Ahmed Riyaz, representing Thimarafushi from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), tabled the amendment, which was later debated and shaped into its final form. 

Central to the legislation is establishing the trust fund, designed to provide financial support to the sector through carefully managed resources. According to the bill, the fund seeks to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth by combining operational transparency with investments to expand tourism capacity. Existing funds currently held within the trust fund under the Public Accounts Act will transition into the new framework, allowing continuity and immediate operational readiness. 

The amendment also introduces measures that redefine the development process for tourism projects. It empowers the president to designate uninhabited islands and lagoons for tourism, ensuring such decisions align with broader developmental goals. Island councils, however, retain authority over inhabited regions, facilitating localised governance within a unified national strategy. 

Further provisions address practical challenges facing the sector. According to the amendment, tourist establishments undergoing redevelopment will be subject to stringent lease agreement regulations set by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Establishments that fail to comply within designated timeframes risk penalties, including cancelling leases without compensation. 

As outlined in the amendments, contributions to the fund will include sponsorships, corporate social responsibility initiatives by tourism operators, and returns from investments directed into sectoral growth. A trust fund management committee will oversee operations and comprise representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Finance, and registered associations. According to the bill, comprehensive regulations will define the committee’s composition and procedures. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Hajj placement policy revised to prioritise first-time pilgrims 

The Hajj placement policy has been amended to prioritise those who have not yet performed the Hajj pilgrimage, in line with a decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. 

This policy revision is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to facilitate affordable and accessible Hajj pilgrimages for Maldivian citizens. On 5 January this year, the President decided to amend the policies on Hajj placement to prioritise those who have not performed Hajj before, to address the long-standing issue of a long waiting period for those who have paid for their place to perform pilgrimage through the Maldives Hajj Corporation. 

In line with the President’s decision, the government has now revised the Hajj placement policy such that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is responsible for formulating all policies related to issuing Hajj permits, managing Hajj quotas, and ensuring that all Hajj service providers comply with the guidelines. 

According to the new regulations, the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited will provide Hajj services under the advice and guidance of the Islamic Ministry. The procedures for registering pilgrims will be specified, and a written agreement between the company and the pilgrim must be signed before payment is made. 

The policy revision aims to offer a quality Hajj service to the public at affordable prices, provide flexible payment options where intending pilgrims can pay in a lump sum or instalments, and ensure the secure management of the money paid by the public for Hajj. It also seeks to reduce the Hajj waiting list. 

The main change under the revised policy is prioritising first-time pilgrims. The Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited will also be required to allocate a certain percentage of the annual quota to those over 65 who have not previously performed the Hajj. 

Among those aged 75 and above who have not performed Hajj, the opportunity to appoint a helper will be offered, provided a family member is on Maldives Hajj Corporation’s waiting list and has not previously performed a Hajj. A person who has already performed the pilgrimage and is on the corporation’s waitlist may be appointed if no family member meets this criterion. 

The new policy also states that a person who has performed Hajj will be given an additional opportunity only after a five-year gap since their last pilgrimage. 

According to the Hajj Corporation, there are currently 9,115 people on the waiting list for the Hajj pilgrimage. Of these, 7543 are under 65 years of age, 1461 are between 65 and 75 years of age, and 111 are over 75. Among those on the waitlist, 8,623 have never performed the Hajj pilgrimage. This includes 7,150 under 65, 1,370 between 65 and 75, and 103 over 75 years old. 

The government is working to increase the official Hajj quota for the Maldives as a solution for prolonged waiting times for those who have secured a place on the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited’s waiting list by paying the corporation. 

SOURCE : PSM 

The Government assures books, and teachers for all schools ahead of the academic year

The Ministry of Education has guaranteed that all schools will be adequately staffed with teachers and equipped with books for every student by the commencement of the new academic year, scheduled for 6 April. 

During an interview on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ program, Shifaz Mohamed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, stated that schools throughout the Maldives had sufficient teachers after the previous academic year. He acknowledged that the non-return of some foreign teachers after the school holidays poses a significant challenge for the Ministry each year. 

Nevertheless, Shifaz indicated that the Ministry is ready to recruit new teachers to fill the vacancies left by those who do not return. Similar preparations will be made before the beginning of this academic year. “Our workforce had sufficient teachers by the end of this year, and we are optimistic that by the start of the 2025 academic year, we will fulfil the requirements before schools reopen,” he elaborated. 

Currently, over 12,000 teachers are employed in the education sector, including more than 2,000 foreign teachers. Shifaz emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to prioritising the recruitment of local teachers and highlighted the special efforts necessary to achieve this goal. 

Ali Mufeed, responsible for school administration, reported that books are being distributed to all schools nationwide. He acknowledged a minor delay in delivering books for grades 4 and 5 due to curriculum changes. However, he confirmed that the books are now being dispatched to schools, ensuring that all students will receive them by the start of the new academic year. “We are very confident that all children will have their books by the beginning of school. We want to reassure parents and students of this commitment on behalf of the Ministry of Education,” Mufeed stated. 

Recent changes to the academic calendar have established that the new school year will start on April 6. According to the Ministry of Education’s schedule, the first-term break will commence on July 24, followed by the second term starting on August 10. The academic year is set to conclude on December 28. Traditionally, the academic year begins in January. However, adjustments made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in school closures and subsequent changes to the schedule. By 2021, the administration had shifted the academic year start to August, which led to school holidays in June and July. 

These months are typically marked by rainfall due to the southwest monsoon, complicating travel for students, parents, and guardians during the holiday period. During the 2023 presidential campaign, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was made aware of concerns regarding the timing of school holidays. In response, he returned to the traditional January start for the academic year, ensuring that school holidays would occur again in December. 

As a result, the academic year commences in January 2026, with the upcoming school holidays scheduled from December 28, 2025, to January 27, 2026, in line with the previously established December holiday period. 

SOURCE : PSM

Air ambulance service completes one year, over 900 patients evacuated 

The national flag carrier, Maldivian, has reported that its air ambulance service has carried over 900 patients in emergency evacuations since its inception a year ago. 

The air ambulance service was officially launched on 1 March 2024. It has now completed its first year of operation, during which time it transported 931 patients over 787 flights. 

When the air ambulance service was first initiated, the aircraft could carry two patients simultaneously. However, the service has been upgraded so that three patients can be accommodated simultaneously. 

On the occasion of the air ambulance services’ first anniversary, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen and Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, toured the aircraft used for the air ambulance operations. Speaking to reporters following the tour, Minister Ameen described the service as a national initiative to transport patients established under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He acknowledged the significant work being done by Maldivians in providing such a critical service. 

“We have established the necessary resources and equipment for emergency patient evacuations. Although this is costly, the President requested to arrange this service for the people,” the Minister stated. 

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim emphasised the importance of an air ambulance service in a country such as the Maldives, where islands are geographically dispersed. He revealed that the government plans to enhance the service further. 

“While the service has been in operation for one year, over 900 patients have been evacuated across more than 700 flights. This is a significant advancement. This service must be continuously enhanced— there are still areas that require improvement,” he remarked. 

Maldivian’s Senior Manager of Technical Strategy, Ismail Athif Mohamed, said the crew is on standby to provide the service around the clock. 

“A full-fledged service is now being provided, with all the equipment in place. As soon as we receive a request, our crew will prepare for the journey,” Athif said. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Parliament endorses new Non- Resident Envoy to Denmark 

On Wednesday, the Parliament endorsed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s nominee as the country’s non-resident Ambassador to Denmark. 

The President has nominated Geela Ali, the Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, to serve as the non-resident Ambassador to Denmark concurrently. 

The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee had recommended her endorsement after a thorough review. 

As recommended by the committee, the Parliament unanimously endorsed the President’s nominee during Wednesday’s sitting. 

By the Foreign Service Act, the president must secure parliamentary approval before appointing ambassadors and high commissioners to the nation’s foreign missions. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Vice President participates in FAM Veterans League 2025